PVD Coating

Richard338

Richard338

Gold Member
Joined
May 3, 2005
Messages
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I thought I would try the PVD coating process to see how it looks.
I don't see too many of the makers on here doing this, either because it adds a step that needs sending out and paying for, or else it isn't always the desired look.
I sent this one to Josh from Razor Edge and am pretty happy with how it turned out.
The blade is CPM 3V at 60 (Peters), with stabilized bog oak from burlsource.

Now I just need to carefully sharpen to a mirror finish on the final bevel.
I can't wait to peel apples at work using the top edge...
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To be honest, I'm not able to infer from Josh's website exactly what the process is. He says "I have tested and compared many many different DLC coatings to this specific PVD and not only is it superior to most of them but it was MUCH more consistent in finish.". He shows, images, talks about durability, but doesn't precisely define it (at least not that I could gather).
Hopefully Josh REK Knives REK Knives can add something here...
 
PVD is Physical Vapor Deposition - can be any number of nitride coatings. They help with cutting action (at least on machine tools - like turning inserts). I should think it would be tough as nails on a knife and cut down somewhat on resistance.
 
Thanks for tagging me Richard!

That PVD is a Chromium Nitride (CrN) PVD and it's extremely durable. What I mean by that is that after batonning through wood, cutting up a bunch of carpet, and cardboard, the PVD only had minimal wear so it was almost not noticeable - unlike Cerakote which wore through in several areas and looked absolutely terrible.

And yes, I do work with a coating company to do this coating so I gather the knives, get them disassembled/prepped, diagram everything, pack it well and ship it out to them. Then when it's done I get it back, finalize any work needing done (edges, reassembly) and ship it back to the customer. Unfortunately due to some major quality control issues I had to terminate my business relationship w/ this company. Fortunately I had already begun researching another company and a true DLC coating a few months before this, sampling and testing and it's an amazing coating. I am still not off the ground w/ it yet though (there was some consistency issues w/ a halo effect around the outer rim as is the case on almost all DLC's I tested - Here is an example) but we are very close. So, in conclusion, I just recently closed PVD books for the time being until I figure out what to do - but I can't take 'chances' w/ customers knives by continuing to use the same company.

*edit: your knife looks great w/ the scales on it btw, good job!
 
Josh, thanks for the clarification. It was the durability tests that you describe that convinced me to try it. I'm sorry to hear about some of the issues you have had with the companies and processes.
Regarding the "halo effect" in the DLC. The video you link to shows this on a light grey blade. Does this also happen with black? Perhaps if you stick to some limited color choices...
 
Richard338 said:
Josh, thanks for the clarification. It was the durability tests that you describe that convinced me to try it. I'm sorry to hear about some of the issues you have had with the companies and processes.
Regarding the "halo effect" in the DLC. The video you link to shows this on a light grey blade. Does this also happen with black? Perhaps if you stick to some limited color choices...
Click to expand...

It's more gray because I stripped it of oil first, but yeah it was not quite as dark as others anyway. All of the DLC's exhibited the same issues, no matter the color - with the exception of two. These two were low hardness DLC's and did not hold up well in my testing.
 
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